Support system for footwear

ABSTRACT

An article of footwear includes a sole member, an insole, and a forefoot cushioning member. In some aspects, the sole member defines a forepart recess and a backpart aperture, and the insole is secured to a top side of the sole member. The insole defines a forepart aperture aligned with the forepart recess of the sole member, and a length of the forepart aperture is less than a length of the forepart recess. The forefoot cushioning member is secured within the forepart recess of the sole member and between the insole and the sole member.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/432,993, filed Dec. 12, 2016 and entitled SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR FOOTWEAR, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to footwear, and more particularly to support systems for footwear.

BACKGROUND

Footwear comes in many forms and may be worn by a person depending on their preference or requirements in a certain situation. While footwear serves the basic purpose of covering or protecting the wearer's foot, it may be desirable incorporate stylish features into such footwear. Traditionally, to achieve such stylish features, it has been necessary to construct the shoes of rigid durable materials to provide a high degree of support with minimal amount of material, which may be uncomfortable to wear. Therefore, there is a need for footwear that provides comfort and support to the wearer while providing the enhanced features.

SUMMARY

The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “the present invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various embodiments of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.

According to certain examples, an article of footwear includes an upper, a sole member, an insole, and a forefoot cushioning member. In some examples, the upper defines an upper cavity and the sole member is connected to the upper and defining a forepart recess and a backpart aperture. In some aspects, the insole is secured to a top side of the sole member and includes a body defining a forepart aperture aligned with the forepart recess of the sole member. In various cases, the forefoot cushioning member is secured within the forepart recess of the sole member and between the insole and the sole member, where a hardness of the forefoot cushioning member is less than a hardness of the sole member.

In some examples, the sole member includes an outsole and a heel, where the outsole includes a body defining the forepart recess, and where the backpart aperture of the sole member includes a backpart aperture of the outsole aligned with a heel cavity defined by a body of the heel. In various cases, the body of the heel further includes a heel slot extending from the heel cavity to a bottom surface of the heel, the article of footwear further includes a heel cushioning member comprising a heel projection, and the heel cushioning member is removably positioned within the heel cavity such that the heel projection is removably positioned within the heel slot. In certain cases, a heel cushioning member is removably positioned within the backpart aperture of the sole member. In various aspects, the sole member includes a hardness of from about 60A to about 75A, and the forefoot cushioning member includes a hardness of from about 50A to about 65A.

In various cases, a footbed is removably positioned within the upper cavity and includes a body with a front projection and a back projection, and a hardness of the footbed is less than a hardness of the forefoot cushioning member. According to various aspects, the sole member has a hardness of from about 60A to about 75A, the forefoot cushioning member has a hardness of from about 50A to about 65A, and the footbed has a hardness of from about 40A to about 55A. In some cases, a length of the forepart aperture of the insole is less than a length of the forepart recess of the sole member such that the insole overlaps a portion of the forepart recess and a portion of the forefoot cushioning member.

According to various examples, a method of assembling an article of footwear includes: positioning a forefoot cushioning member in a forepart recess of a sole member; and securing an insole to the sole member such that a backpart aperture of the insole provides access to a backpart aperture of the sole member, a forepart aperture of the insole is aligned with the forepart recess, and the insole at least partially overlaps the forefoot cushioning member in the forepart recess, where a hardness of the forefoot cushioning member is less than a hardness of the sole member.

In some aspects, the method includes positioning and retaining a heel cushioning member within the backpart aperture of the insole and the backpart aperture of the sole member. In various examples, positioning and retaining the heel cushioning member further includes positioning and retaining a heel extension of the heel cushioning member within a heel slot of the backpart aperture. In some examples, the method includes removably positioning a footbed relative to the outsole and the insole within a cavity defined by an upper of the article of footwear. According to various cases, securing the footbed includes: removably positioning a back projection of the footbed within the backpart aperture of the insole and the backpart aperture of the sole member; and removably positioning a front projection of the footbed within the forepart aperture. In certain examples, removably positioning the back projection includes abutting the back projection with a heel cushioning member, and removably positioning the front projection includes abutting the front projection with the forefoot cushioning member.

According to certain examples, an article of footwear includes: a sole member defining a forepart recess and a backpart aperture; an insole secured to a top side of the sole member and defining a forepart aperture aligned with the forepart recess of the sole member, where a length of the forepart aperture is less than a length of the forepart recess; and a forefoot cushioning member secured within the forepart recess of the sole member and between the insole and the sole member.

In certain cases, a heel cushioning member is removably positioned within the backpart aperture, the backpart aperture further includes a heel slot extending from the backpart aperture and having a length less than a length than the backpart aperture, and the heel cushioning member further includes a heel extension removably positioned within the heel slot. In various examples, the heel slot extends to a bottom surface of the sole member, and the article of footwear further comprises a spacer positioned within the heel slot between the bottom surface of the sole member and the heel extension. In some examples, a footbed includes a body with a front projection and a back projection, and a hardness of the footbed is less than a hardness of the forefoot cushioning member and less than a hardness of the sole member. According to some cases, the sole member has a hardness of from about 60A to about 75A, the forefoot cushioning member has a hardness of from about 50A to about 65A, and the footbed has a hardness of from about 40A to about 55A. In some aspects, the front projection is removably positioned within the forepart aperture and abutting the forefoot cushioning member, and the back projection is removably positioned within the backpart aperture and abutting a heel cushioning member within the backpart aperture.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure can include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which cannot necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures can be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.

FIG. 1 is an elevated lateral side view of an article of footwear according to aspects of the current disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described. Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “left,” “right,” “front,” and “back,” among others are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an example of an article of footwear 10. As used herein, “footwear” refers generally to any type of wear suitable for use on a foot including, but not limited to, a shoe, a boot, a sandal, an overshoe, or various other types of footwear 10. In the present example, the article of footwear 10 is a shoe. The article of footwear 10 includes an upper 100, a sole member 200, and a footbed member 800 (see FIG. 2).

The upper 100 defines a cavity 102 in which a wearer may insert his or her foot. The upper 100 may include adjusters 104 that are configured to adjust the fit of the upper around the wearer's foot. In various examples, the adjusters 104 may be various types of adjusters 104 including, but not limited to, laces, strings, hook and loop fasteners, belts, clips, clasps, pins, or various other suitable adjusters 104 for adjusting the fit of the upper 100 on the wearer's foot.

The upper 100 may be constructed from various materials including, but not limited to, leather, canvas, rubber, plastics, textiles, or various other desired materials or combinations of materials. In one non-limiting example, the upper 100 is constructed from waterproof leather. Various suitable manufacturing techniques may be used to form the upper 100 having a desired shape.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the sole member 200 generally includes a heel 300 and an outsole 400, and defines at least in part an outermost bottom-facing surface of the footwear 10. In various examples, an insole 500 may also be provided. It will be appreciated that in various other examples, the sole member 200 may include layers or components in addition to than the heel 300, the outsole 400, and the insole 500.

In some examples, the heel 300 and the outsole 400 are integrally formed as a unitary component; however, in other examples, the heel 300 may be formed as a separate component that is secured to the outsole 400. In the present example, the heel 300 is a separate component that is secured to the outsole 400 through fasteners 202. The fasteners 202 may be various suitable fasteners including, but not limited to, pins, nails, screws, adhesives, various bonding agents, or various other suitable fasteners. In some examples, the fasteners 202 may also be used to secure the insole 500 relative to the outsole 400 and/or the heel 300.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the heel 300 includes a body 302 with a bottom side 304 having a bottom surface 306. In some cases, the bottom side 304 or a portion of the bottom side 304 includes treading, although it need not. In some examples, the bottom side 306 includes a first component 308 and a second component 310 constructed from a material different than the first component 308. For example and without limitation, in some examples, the first component 308 may include rubber and the second component 310 may include leather. Various other materials may be used for the first component 308 and the second component 310 that are suitable for forming the outermost bottom-facing surface of the footwear 10 including, but not limited to polyurethane, thermoplastic rubbers, latex rubbers, dual density polyurethane, natural rubbers, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc. In other examples, the bottom side 306 may include a single component (such as all rubber, all leather, all plastic, etc.) or may include more than two components.

In some examples, the body 302 of the heel 300 is constructed from various suitable materials for providing support to the footwear 10. For example and without limitation, in some examples, the body 302 includes fiberboard, rubber, plastic, or various other suitable materials or combinations of materials. In the present example, the body 302 includes medium density fiberboard. In other examples, the material used to form the body 302 may be the same as the material used to form the first component 308 and/or the second component 310. For example and without limitation, in some examples, the body 302 and the first component may both be constructed from rubber.

The body 302 defines a heel cavity 312 that is dimensioned to accommodate a heel cushioning member 600, which is described in detail below. The heel cavity 312 includes a heel end surface 314 and a heel sidewall surface 316. In some examples, the body 302 optionally defines a heel slot 318 extending from the heel end surface 314 to the bottom surface 306 of the heel 300. The heel slot 318 is dimensioned to accommodate a heel projection 602 of the heel cushioning member 600, as described in detail below. As illustrated in FIG. 2., in certain cases, a length of the heel slot 318 is less than the length of the heel cavity 312. In certain examples, a width of the heel cavity 312 (e.g., a direction transverse to the direction from a toe end 410 to a heel end 414 of the footwear 10) is less than a width of the body 302. In various examples, the heel cavity 312 is accessible from within the cavity 102 of the footwear 10 when the footbed member 800 is removed.

The outsole 400 includes a body 402 having a top side 404, a bottom side 406, a forepart 408 including the toe end 410, and a backpart 412 including the heel end 414. In various examples, the outsole 400 is constructed from various materials that are lighter in weight and more year-resistant than leather, as well as flexible or resilient or elastic. For example, the outsole 400 may be constructed from various materials including, but not limited to, polyurethane, thermoplastic rubbers, latex rubbers, dual density polyurethane, natural rubbers, PVC, or various other materials or combinations or compounds of materials. In various examples, the outsole 400 is constructed from a material having a durometer greater than that of the heel cushioning member 600, the forefoot cushioning member 604, and the footbed member 800. For example, in various examples, the outsole 400 has a durometer of from about 40A to about 90A, such as from about 50A to about 80A, such as from about 60A, to about 70A. In some examples, the outsole 400 may have a durometer of about 60A to about 75A.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in various examples, the bottom side 406 may include a secondary component 416 constructed from a material different than the body 402. For example and without limitation, in some examples, the body 402 may include rubber and the secondary component 416 may include leather. Various other materials may be used for the body 402 and the secondary component 416 that are suitable for forming the outermost bottom-facing surface of the footwear 10. In the present example, the secondary component 416 includes leather secured within a recess defined by the bottom side 406 of the body 402. In other examples, the bottom side 406 may include a single component (such as all rubber, all leather, all plastic, etc.) or may include more than two components. In some cases, the bottom side 406 or a portion of the bottom side 406 includes treading, although it need not.

In various examples, the top side 404 of the body 402 defines a forepart recess 418 that is dimensioned to accommodate a forefoot cushioning member 604, which is described in detail below. The backpart 412 of the body 402 defines an outsole aperture 420 that is dimensioned to at least partially accommodate the heel cushioning member 600, which is described in detail below. In various aspects, the outsole aperture 420 extends from the top side 404 to the bottom side 406. When the heel 300 and the outsole 400 are assembled as illustrated in FIG. 2 the outsole aperture 420 provides access to the heel cavity 312 of the heel 300. In certain examples, a width of the outsole aperture 420 is less than a width of the body 402. In sonic examples, the width of the outsole aperture 420 is approximately the same as the width of the heel cavity 312, although it need not be. In certain examples, a length of the outsole aperture 420 is approximately the same as a length of the heel cavity 312, although it need not be. In various aspects, a width of the forepart recess 418 is less than the width of the body 402. In various examples, the outsole aperture 420 and forepart recess 418 are accessible from within the cavity 102 of the footwear 10 when the footbed member 800 is removed.

The heel cushioning member 600 is configured to be positioned and retained within the heel cavity 312 and the outsole aperture 420. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the heel cushioning member 600 optionally includes the heel projection 602, which is configured to be positioned within the heel slot 318. In certain cases, the heel projection 602 may further aid in positioning and retaining the heel cushioning member 600 relative to the heel 300 and outsole 400. Is some embodiments, a translucent, transparent, or semi-transparent spacer 700 is positioned and retained within the heel slot 318 between the heel projection 602 and the bottom surface 306 of the heel 300. The spacer 700 may be constructed from various materials including, but not limited to, glass, gels, plastics, and other materials. In various aspects, the spacer 700 provides protection to the heel cushioning member 600 such that the heel cushioning member 600 is not directly exposed to a surface that the footwear 10 is on (e.g., on a surface such as dirt, gravel, pavement, etc.). The forefoot cushioning member 604 is configured to be positioned and retained within the forepart recess 418. The shapes of the heel cushioning member 600, heel projection 602, forefoot cushioning member 600, and spacer 700 should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure.

In various examples, the heel cushioning member 600 and the forefoot cushioning member 604 are constructed from materials that are lightweight and configured to provide both support and cushioning to the wearer's foot. For example, the heel cushioning member 600 and the forefoot cushioning member 604 may be constructed from materials including, but not limited to, ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyurethane, thermoplastic rubbers, latex rubbers, dual density polyurethane, natural rubbers, or various other similar materials or combinations of materials. In various examples, the material used to construct the heel cushioning member 600 and the forefoot cushioning member 604 have a durometer that is less than a durometer of the outsole 400. For example, in various examples, the heel cushioning member 600 and the forefoot cushioning member 604 have a durometer of from about 0A to about 80A, such as from about 10A to about 60A, such as from about 30A, to about 50A. In some examples, the heel cushioning member 600 and the forefoot cushioning member 604 may have a durometer of about 50A to about 65A. The heel cushioning member 600 and the forefoot cushioning member 604 may be formed through various manufacturing techniques such as molding, compression, one shot, casting, forming, and various other suitable techniques. In various examples, the heel cushioning member 600 and the forefoot cushioning member 604 may be retained relative to the outsole 400 and heel 300 with or without the use of fasteners. When fasteners are used, the fasteners may include various materials including, but not limited to, various glues, adhesives, bonding agents or compositions, mechanical fasteners, or various other suitable fastening mechanisms.

The insole 500 includes a body 502 having a top side 504, a bottom side 506, a forepart 508 including a toe end 510, and a backpart 512 including a heel end 514. When assembled, in some embodiments, the insole 500 may extend from proximate the toe end 410 of the outsole 400 to proximate the heel end 414 of the outsole 400. The insole 500 may be constructed from various materials suitable for supporting the wearer's foot, including, but not limited to, various composites, rubbers, plastics, natural materials, or various other suitable materials or combinations of materials. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the forepart 508 defines a forepart aperture 516 and the backpart 512 defines a backpart aperture 518. In various examples a length of the forepart aperture 516 (e.g., in the direction from the toe end 510 to the heel end 514) is less than a length of the forefoot cushioning member 604 such that when assembled, the insole 500 partially overlaps the forefoot cushioning member 604. The forepart aperture 516 is sized and dimensioned to receive and position a front projection 802 of the footbed member 800, which is described in detail below. The backpart aperture 518 is configured to provide access to the outsole aperture 420 and the heel cavity 312. In various examples, the backpart aperture 518 is sized and dimensioned to receive and position a back projection 804 of the footbed member 800, as described in detail below. In certain examples, the size of the backpart aperture 518 is approximately the same as the outsole aperture 420 and/or the heel cavity 312, although it need not be.

The footbed member 800 includes a body 806 having a top side 808, a bottom side 810, a forepart 812 including a toe end 814, and a backpart 816 including a heel end 818. In some cases, the footbed member 800 is configured to accommodate a plurality of foot widths, although it need not. In various examples, the footbed member 800 is constructed from a material that is lightweight configured to provide flexibility and cushioning to the wearer's foot. For example, the footbed member 800 may be constructed from materials including, but not limited to, ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), acrylonittile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyurethane, thermoplastic rubbers, latex rubbers, dual density polyurethane, natural rubbers, or various other similar materials or combinations of materials. In various examples, the footbed member 800 is constructed from a material where expansion of the material during molding or forming may be controlled to accurately and consistently form footbed members 800 having consistent shapes that may be mated with the other components of the footwear 10, including, but not limited to polyurethane or other materials with similar properties. In various examples, the footbed member 800 has a durometer of from about 0A to about 60A, such as from about 10A to about 50A, such as from about 30A, to about 50A. In some examples, the footbed member 800 may have a durometer of about 40A to about 55A. In various examples, the footbed member 800 may have a durometer that is less than that of the heel cushioning member 600, the forefoot cushioning member 604. The footbed member 800 may be formed through various manufacturing techniques such as molding, compression, one shot, casting, forming, and various other suitable techniques

In various examples, the top side 808 of the footbed member 800 may optionally include a covering layer 820. The covering layer 616 may be constructed from various materials suitable for engaging with the wearer's foot, including but not limited to various textiles, leather, sheepskin, and other suitable materials as desired.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the footbed member 800 includes the front projection 802 and the back projection 804 extending from the bottom side 810 of the body 806. In some cases, a thickness of the back projection 804 is greater than a thickness of the front projection 802, although it need not be. The size, number, shape, or location of the front projection 802 and the back projection 804 should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. The back projection 804 is configured to be inserted and retained within the backpart aperture 518 and the front projection 802 is configured to be inserted and retained within the forepart aperture 516. This engagement may secure the footbed member 800 in place relative to the insole 500 as well as the outsole 400. In certain examples, the back projection 804 abuts the heel cushioning member 600 and the front projection abuts the forefoot cushioning member 604 when the footbed 800 is assembled with the footwear 10 (e.g., positioned within the cavity 102).

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a method of assembling the footwear 10 includes securing the heel 300 to the outsole 400 such that the outsole aperture 420 provides access to the heel cavity 312. The method also includes securing the insole 500 to the outsole 400 such that the backpart aperture 518 provides access to the outsole aperture 420 and the heel cavity 312. In various examples, securing the insole 500 to the outsole 400 includes securing a forefoot cushioning member 604 within a forepart recess 418 of the outsole 400 between the insole 500 and the outsole 400.

The method may include positioning the heel cushioning member 600 within the outsole aperture 420 and the heel cavity 312. In some examples, positioning the heel cushioning member 600 includes positioning a heel projection 602 within a heel slot 318. The method also includes securing the footbed member 800 relative to the outsole 400 and insole 500 by retaining the back projection 804 of the footbed member 800 within the backpart aperture 518 and retaining the front projection 802 within the forepart aperture 516. In some examples, securing the footbed member 800 includes inserting the footbed member 800 into the cavity 102 defined by the upper 100.

A collection of exemplary embodiments, including at least some explicitly enumerated as “ECs” (Example Combinations), providing additional description of a variety of embodiment types in accordance with the concepts described herein are provided below. These examples are not meant to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive; and the invention is not limited to these example embodiments but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims and their equivalents.

EC 1. An article of footwear comprising: an upper defining an upper cavity; an outsole comprising a body defining a forepart recess and a backpart aperture; a heel comprising a body defining a heel cavity and secured to a bottom side of the outsole, wherein the heel cavity is aligned with the backpart aperture of the outsole; an insole secured to a top side of the outsole and comprising a body defining a forepart aperture and a backpart aperture, wherein the backpart aperture of the insole is aligned with the backpart aperture of the of the aperture and the heel cavity of the heel; and a forefoot cushioning member secured within the forepart recess of the outsole and between the insole and the body of the outsole, wherein a hardness of the forefoot cushioning member is less than a hardness of the body of the outsole.

EC 2. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further comprising a heel cushioning member positioned within the heel cavity and the backpart aperture of the outsole.

EC 3. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the body of the outsole comprises a hardness of from about 60A to about 75A, and wherein the forefoot cushioning member comprises a hardness of from about 50A to about 65A.

EC 4. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further comprising a footbed positionable within the upper cavity, wherein the footbed comprises a body with a front projection and a back projection, and wherein a hardness of the footbed is less than a hardness of the forefoot cushioning member.

EC 5. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the body of the outsole has a hardness of from about 60A to about 75A, wherein the forefoot cushioning member has a hardness of from about 50A to about 65A, and wherein the footbed has a hardness of from about 40A to about 55A.

EC 6. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the forefoot cushioning member comprises ethyl vinyl acetate and wherein the footbed comprises polyurethane.

EC 7. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the back projection is retained within the backpart aperture of the insole, and wherein the front projection is retained within the forepart aperture of the insole,

EC 8. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein a bottom side of the heel comprises a first component and a second component forming the bottom surface of the heel, wherein the first component is constructed from a material different than the material used to construct the second component.

EC 9. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the first component comprises rubber, and wherein the second component comprises rubber.

EC 10. A method of assembling an article of footwear comprising: securing a heel to an outsole such that an outsole aperture defined by the outsole provides access to a heel cavity defined by the heel; and securing an insole to the outsole such that a backpart aperture of the insole provides access to the outsole aperture and the heel cavity, wherein securing the insole comprises securing a forefoot cushioning member within a forepart recess of the outsole between the insole and the outsole, wherein a hardness of the forefoot cushioning member is less than a hardness of the body of the outsole.

EC 11. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further comprising positioning and retaining a heel cushioning member within the outsole aperture and the heel cavity.

EC 12. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further comprising securing the footbed relative to the outsole and the insole within a cavity defined by an upper of the article of footwear.

EC 13. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein securing the footbed comprises: retaining a back projection of the footbed within the backpart aperture; and retaining a front projection of the footbed within the forepart aperture.

EC 14. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example; combinations, wherein securing the footbed comprises inserting the footbed into the cavity defined by the upper.

EC 15. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein a hardness of the footbed is less than a hardness of the forefoot cushioning member.

EC 16. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the body of the outsole has a hardness of from about 60A to about 75A, wherein the forefoot cushioning member has a hardness of from about 50A to about 65A, and wherein the footbed has a hardness of from about 40A to about 55A.

EC 17. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the outsole comprises rubber, wherein the forefoot cushioning member comprises ethyl vinyl acetate, and wherein the footbed comprises polyurethane.

EC 18. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the body of the outsole comprises a hardness of from about 60A to about 75A, and wherein the forefoot cushioning member comprises a hardness of from about 50A to about 65A.

EC 19. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the outsole comprises rubber, and wherein the forefoot cushioning member comprises ethyl vinyl acetate.

EC 20. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein a bottom side of the heel comprises a first component and a second component forming the bottom surface of the heel, wherein the first component is constructed from a material different than the material used to construct the second component.

EC 21. An article of footwear comprising: an upper defining an upper cavity; a sole member connected to the upper and defining a forepart recess and a backpart aperture; an insole secured to a top side of the sole member and comprising a body defining a forepart aperture aligned with the forepart recess of the sole member; and a forefoot cushioning member secured within the forepart recess of the sole member and between the insole and the sole member, wherein a hardness of the forefoot cushioning member is less than a hardness of the sole member.

EC 22. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the sole member comprises an outsole and a heel, wherein the outsole comprises a body defining the forepart recess, and wherein the backpart aperture of the sole member comprises a backpart aperture of the outsole aligned with a heel cavity defined by a body of the heel.

EC 23. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the body of the heel further comprises a heel slot extending from the heel cavity to a bottom surface of the heel, wherein the article of footwear further comprises a heel cushioning member comprising; a heel projection, and wherein the heel cushioning member is removably positioned within the heel cavity such that the heel projection is removably positioned within the heel slot.

EC 24. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further comprising a heel cushioning member removably positioned within the backpart aperture of the sole member.

EC 25. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the sole member comprises a hardness of from about 60A to about 75A, and wherein the forefoot cushioning member comprises a hardness of from about 50A to about 65A.

EC 26. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further comprising a footbed removably positioned within the upper cavity, wherein the footbed comprises a body with a front projection and a back projection, and wherein a hardness of the footbed is less than a hardness of the forefoot cushioning member.

EC 27. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the sole member has a hardness of from about 60A to about 75A, wherein the forefoot cushioning member has a hardness of from about 50A to about 65A, and wherein the footbed has a hardness of from about 40A to about 55A.

EC 28. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein a length of the forepart aperture of the insole is less than a length of the forepart recess of the sole member such that the insole overlaps a portion of the forepart recess and a portion of the forefoot cushioning member.

EC 29. A method of assembling an article of footwear comprising: positioning a forefoot cushioning member in a forepart recess of a sole member; and securing an insole to the sole member such that a backpart aperture of the insole provides access to a backpart aperture of the sole member, a forepart aperture of the insole is aligned with the forepart recess, and the insole at least partially overlaps the forefoot cushioning member in the forepart recess, wherein a hardness of the forefoot cushioning member is less than a hardness of the sole member.

EC 30. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further comprising positioning and retaining a heel cushioning member within the backpart aperture of the insole and the backpart aperture of the sole member.

EC 31. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein positioning and retaining the heel cushioning member further comprises positioning and retaining a heel extension of the heel cushioning member within a heel slot of the backpart aperture.

EC 32. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further comprising removably positioning a footbed relative to the outsole and the insole within a cavity defined by an upper of the article of footwear.

EC 33. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein securing the footbed comprises: removably positioning a back projection of the footbed within the backpart aperture of the insole and the backpart aperture of the sole member; and removably positioning a front projection of the footbed within the forepart aperture.

EC 34. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein removably positioning the back projection comprises abutting the back projection with a heel cushioning member, and wherein removably positioning the front projection comprises abutting the front projection with the forefoot cushioning member.

EC 35. An article of footwear comprising: a sole member defining a forepart recess and a backpart aperture; an insole secured to a top side of the sole member and defining a forepart aperture aligned with the forepart recess of the sole member, wherein a length of the forepart aperture is less than a length of the forepart recess; and a forefoot cushioning member secured within the forepart recess of the sole member and between the insole and the sole member.

EC 36. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further comprising a heel cushioning member removably positioned within the backpart aperture, wherein the backpart aperture further comprises a heel slot extending from the backpart aperture and having a length less than a length than the backpart aperture, and wherein the heel cushioning member further comprises a heel extension removably positioned within the heel slot.

EC 37. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the heel slot extends to a bottom surface of the sole member, and wherein the article of footwear further comprises a spacer positioned within the heel slot between the bottom surface of the sole member and the heel extension.

EC 38. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further comprising a footbed comprising a body with a front projection and a back projection, and wherein a hardness of the footbed is less than a hardness of the forefoot cushioning member and less than a hardness of the sole member.

EC 39. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the sole member has a hardness of from about 60A to about 75A, wherein the forefoot cushioning member has a hardness of from about 50A to about 65A, and wherein the footbed has a hardness of from about 40A to about 55A.

EC 40. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the front projection is removably positioned within the forepart aperture and abutting the forefoot cushioning member, and wherein the back projection is removably positioned within the backpart aperture and abutting a heel cushioning member within the backpart aperture.

The above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described example(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention, nor the claims which follow. 

That which is claimed is:
 1. An article of footwear comprising: an upper defining an upper cavity; a sole member connected to the upper and defining a forepart recess and a backpart aperture; an insole secured to a top side of the sole member and comprising a body defining a forepart aperture aligned with the forepart recess of the sole member; and a forefoot cushioning member secured within the forepart recess of the sole member and between the insole and the sole member, wherein a hardness of the forefoot cushioning member is less than a hardness of the sole member.
 2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the sole member comprises an outsole and a heel, wherein the outsole comprises a body defining the forepart recess, and wherein the backpart aperture of the sole member comprises a backpart aperture of the outsole aligned with a heel cavity defined by a body of the heel.
 3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the body of the heel further comprises a heel slot extending from the heel cavity to a bottom surface of the heel, wherein the article of footwear further comprises a heel cushioning member comprising a heel projection, and wherein the heel cushioning member is removably positioned within the heel cavity such that the heel projection is removably positioned within the heel slot.
 4. The article of footwear of claim 1, further comprising a heel cushioning member removably positioned within the the backpart aperture of the sole member.
 5. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the sole member comprises a hardness of from about 60A to about 75A, and wherein the forefoot cushioning member comprises a hardness of from about 50A to about 65A.
 6. The article of footwear of claim 1, further comprising a footbed removably positioned within the upper cavity, wherein the footbed comprises a body with a front projection and a back projection, and wherein a hardness of the footbed is less than a hardness of the forefoot cushioning member.
 7. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein the sole member has a hardness of from about 60A to about 75A, wherein the forefoot cushioning member has a hardness of from about 50A to about 65A, and wherein the footbed has a hardness of from about 40A to about 55A.
 8. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein a length of the forepart aperture of the insole is less than a length of the forepart recess of the sole member such that the insole overlaps a portion of the forepart recess and a portion of the forefoot cushioning member.
 9. A method of assembling an article of footwear comprising: positioning a forefoot cushioning member in a forepart recess of a sole member; and securing an insole to the sole member such that a backpart aperture of the insole provides access to a backpart aperture of the sole member, a forepart aperture of the insole is aligned with the forepart recess, and the insole at least partially overlaps the forefoot cushioning member in the forepart recess, wherein a hardness of the forefoot cushioning member is less than a hardness of the sole member.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising positioning and retaining a heel cushioning member within the backpart aperture of the insole and the backpart aperture of the sole member.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein positioning and retaining the heel cushioning member further comprises positioning and retaining a heel extension of the heel cushioning member within a heel slot of the backpart aperture.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising removably positioning a footbed relative to the sole member and the insole within a cavity defined by an upper of the article of footwear.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein securing the footbed comprises: removably positioning a back projection of the footbed within the backpart aperture of the insole and the backpart aperture of the sole member; and removably positioning a front projection of the footbed within the forepart aperture.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein removably positioning the back projection comprises abutting the back projection with a heel cushioning member, and wherein removably positioning the front projection comprises abutting the front projection with the forefoot cushioning member.
 15. An article of footwear comprising: a sole member defining a forepart recess and a backpart aperture; an insole secured to a top side of the sole member and defining a forepart aperture aligned with the forepart recess of the sole member, wherein a length of the forepart aperture is less than a length of the forepart recess; and a forefoot cushioning member secured within the forepart recess of the sole member and between the insole and the sole member.
 16. The article of footwear of claim 15, further comprising a heel cushioning member removably positioned within the backpart aperture, wherein the backpart aperture further comprises a heel slot extending from the backpart aperture and having a length less than a length than the backpart aperture, and wherein the heel cushioning member further comprises a heel extension removably positioned within the heel slot.
 17. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein the heel slot extends to a bottom surface of the sole member, and wherein the article of footwear further comprises a spacer positioned within the heel slot between the bottom surface of the sole member and the heel extension.
 18. The article of footwear of claim 15, further comprising a footbed comprising a body with a front projection and a back projection, and wherein a hardness of the footbed is less than a hardness of the forefoot cushioning member and less than a hardness of the sole member.
 19. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the sole member has a hardness of from about 60A to about 75A, wherein the forefoot cushioning member has a hardness of from about 50A to about 65A, and wherein the footbed has a hardness of from about 40A to about 55A.
 20. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the front projection is removably positioned within the forepart aperture and abutting the forefoot cushioning member, and wherein the back projection is removably positioned within the backpart aperture and abutting a heel cushioning member within the backpart aperture. 